The Banana Phone is an entertaining device designed to resemble a banana. It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing users to make calls and listen to music while maintaining a playful aesthetic.
This unique Bluetooth handset is compatible with a variety of devices, including iPhones, Android smartphones, and voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google. Crafted from recycled plastic, both the phone and its packaging are 100% recyclable, making it an eco-friendly gift option for family members and friends alike.
Features of the Banana Phone include:
- Phone capabilities
- Speaker
- Volume controls (up and down)
- Multifunction button
- LED indicator
- Built-in microphone
- Micro USB charging port
The device is powered by a lithium battery, providing up to 10 hours of talk time and lasting up to 70 hours on a single charge. Additionally, it is equipped with a Qualcomm chipset made from certified conflict-free minerals.
The Banana Phone is available for purchase on its official website and on Amazon, priced at $39.99.
| Company Name | Banana Phone |
| Founder | Brian Brunsing, Charlie Katrycz, and Max Brown |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Product | Banana Phone Bluetooth handset for Cell Phones |
| Asked For | $250K for a 10% Equity |
| Final Deal | No Deals |
| Shark | No Sharks |
| Episode (Shark Tank USA) | S14 E2 |
| Air Date | Sep 30, 2022 |
| Business Status | In Business |
| Website | Visit Website |
| Headquarters | New York, New York, US |
| Lifetime Worth (Sales) | $1.9M *estimated |
| Go To Amazon | Buy Now |
| Watch On | Amazon Prime |
Another Shark Tank Pitch
Who Is The Founder Of Banana Phone?
Banana Phone LLC was founded in 2017 by three friends: Brian Brunsing, Charlie Katrycz, and Max Brown. Max Brown serves as the CEO and President of Garrett Lather Corporation, holding a degree in Business Management from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Brian Brunsing, a marketing expert and co-founder of Banana Phone, is currently the Senior Director of E-commerce and Digital Marketplaces at VISA, also with a background in Business Administration from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Charlie Katrycz, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the company, is the founder of Loonskin Labs and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at The University of Toronto.
Together, they have developed a unique product that combines entertainment and functionality, connecting via Bluetooth to smartphones and other devices.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Banana Phone?
Brian Brunsing and Max Brown entered Shark Tank seeking $250,000 for a 10% equity stake in their company, Banana Phone, which is valued at $2.5 million. During their pitch, they shared their story and emphasized that the phone is designed for entertainment.
When Lori Greiner asked how long the business had been running, Brian mentioned it had been six years, prompting laughter from the sharks. Kevin O’Leary noted that given this timeframe, the business should have achieved much higher sales figures.
However, the entrepreneurs proudly stated that their lifetime sales totaled $1.6 million, with $540,000 generated in 2021 and a net income of $123,000 over the past 12 months. They delivered an entertaining pitch, highlighting the retail price of the Banana Phone at $39.99, with a production cost of just $6.
Although they hadn’t pursued a design patent, they had secured their trademark. In the past two years, they shifted to a robust consumer advertising strategy, utilizing platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Google, resulting in a customer acquisition cost of $9.
Despite the enthusiasm of the pitch, Kevin O’Leary and the other sharks—Mark Cuban, Robert Herjavec, Lori Greiner, and Barbara Corcoran—all opted out, leaving the entrepreneurs without a deal.
Finalize: Banana phone could not find a deal in Shark Tank.
Banana Phone Shark Tank Update
Brian and Max delivered an impressive presentation on Shark Tank, showcasing their Banana Phone and eliciting plenty of laughter from the sharks. However, despite their entertaining pitch, the sharks did not see the company as a valuable investment opportunity.
As of September 30, 2022, the Banana Phone reported total lifetime sales of $1.6 million, a figure that left the sharks skeptical. Barbara Corcoran even tweeted, “This is bananas! I can’t believe these two have those sales!”
After the episode aired, the product sparked a flurry of reactions on Twitter, with users sharing a mix of opinions and memes
One of the most viral moments was Kevin O’Leary’s remark, “I do not need a banana phone in my portfolio,” which became a running joke online. While some users expressed their dislike for the product, others indicated curiosity and a willingness to purchase it for fun.
Despite the mixed reception, it’s important to remember that the Banana Phone is designed for entertainment. Many Twitter users have playfully commented on its novelty, suggesting that they might try it out despite their initial skepticism.
With total sales of $540,000 recorded in 2021 and the sharks’ disbelief in its sales potential, we will continue to follow Brian, Max, and Charlie for further updates on their unique product.
What Is Banana Phone Net Worth?
The company has seen decent sales, with total lifetime revenue of $1.6 million as of September 30, 2022, and annual sales of $540,000 in 2021. Considering its performance and market presence, the estimated net worth of Banana Phone is approximately $1.2 million.
